AGE UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest (BRWF) has been awarded £72,367 to support its ‘lifeline’ Befriending service over the next three years.
The charity said giving older people in the areas the chance to talk, listen and share information with others in similar situations and those they can trust and rely upon was so important.
The service is based on friendship, with volunteers regularly visiting a person in their home and / or calling them for a chat, helping people to maintain (and hopefully develop) those all-important social connections.
The service, which is free and not time-limited, regularly supports more than 300 older people, supported by an amazing team of more than 50 volunteers.
This new National Lottery funding will support the befriending service’s costs, including staffing and volunteers.
The cash will also help Age UK BRWF recruit more volunteers and prevent and tackle loneliness among older people across North Worcestershire.
National Lottery players raise over £30million-a-week for good causes across the UK and the community fund distributes a share of this to projects to help people and communities prosper and thrive.
Amanda Allen, CEO at Age UK BRWF, said: “These are difficult times for charities, with challenges on finances, whilst demand for services continues to grow.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means we can safeguard the provision of our Befriending service for the next three years for the 300 plus people we are already regularly supporting, as well as seeking ways to develop the service so that we can reach and support more people.
“Regular contact is so important to our wellbeing – providing a sense of belonging, helping with confidence and making people feel less anxious and alone.
“This funding will really help to make a big difference.”
Visit TNLCommunityFund.org.uk for more
